A Writer's Journey on Helium

Helium is a great site to write for, but you have to be prepared. Your ego will get deflated, and you will have emotions about it. I remember when I first started writing for Helium, before it became a household name. My intention was to use it as a way to express myself, and release my inner drama.

Helium became a platform to express my religious beliefs, and I wrote several articles on Catholicism. My very first article was about recognizing signs of abuse, and it went straight to number 1. A little bit later, I wrote fondly about my Dad, having lost him to cancer a few years earlier.

It didn't take long for me to check out the contest circuit. The first contest I entered was half over when I finally got brave enough to write to it. At that point, I thought I only needed to submit one article, until I realized that I didn't even make the leader board with it. Then I reread the rules and frantically spent the next 3 days writing to as many titles as I could.

The only problem was that the contest had to do with science, and many of my articles tanked. You see, at the time I wasn't very passionate about alchemy, dowsing, or social behaviors, and I had no clue how to be a true freelance author, so I couldn't even fake it well. Needless to say, I didn't win the contest.

It took several months for me to overcome my pride and leap those articles. I wasn't that interested in the subject matter, so the thought of studying it in further depth was not my first priority. As my experience in freelance writing expanded, so did my interests. When I finally got around to leaping those scientific articles, they made it to the top three in the ranks.

It didn't take long to realize that there was more to Helium than I expected. I jumped in full force, making myself prominent on the forums. I made friends with other writers and staff alike. Slowly, my article count increased. Still it took forever to get those evasive stars.

One particular staff member, Barbara Whitlock, seemed to notice me. Her support and encouragement were what I needed to let go of my reservations about Helium. I set goals to increase my article count, and get my rating stars. I even produced a few zones. My writing began to develop and take on a life of its own.

Before I knew it, I was ready to volunteer. Actually, I didn't know it, but like any good community leader, Barbara extended the hand of invitation, and I couldn't refuse her offer. I was no longer writing for myself at this point, and my rating took on new meaning as I began to communicate with other authors on the site.

This was unfamiliar territory, despite the fact that I had earned my college degree. You see, even though I always wanted to be a writer, I wasn't prepared for the world of freelance writing, complete with editorial functions. My work in college had always done well, and many of my teachers praised my ability to express the written word. Still, writing for Helium was challenging, and helping others improve their articles can be a little unnerving at times.

Helium is a wonderful site to explore the world of freelance writing. You learn to deal with rejection when your articles tank; you appreciate the excitement of recognition when your stars begin to shine. Don't be fooled by all those people with 5 writing stars on the site. They had to travel the same path, and overcome the same obstacles. Believe in yourself! You are a writer, and the greatest writers in this world all had a hint of humility in their work!

Learn more about this author, M. J. Joachim.
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